While Shuo cooked them a meal, Cai drank.... They exchanged short phrases all the time. Cai would banter, but Shuo mostly didn't react. Only sometimes he would parry Kai's verbal attacks.
Although Kai was not happy, he liked this way of speaking. It was even somewhat similar to the way he communicated with Diso. Except now it was Kai who was the weak link.
It seemed that the Lone Buddha was much wiser and more aware than him, not to mention stronger. Except Kai didn't care about that. He was well aware that Shuo was somewhere around ten years older.
Kai had roughly the same attitude:
'I still have a head start. If I persevere and progress, then I will definitely surpass all of my opponents. Even if that opponent is my Brother Shuo.'
For the past two months, Cai had hardly practised his cultivation. It could be said that he had been constantly cultivating his horizons and comprehension. Indeed, during this time, he had become much more aware of the world around him.
Although, he still didn't understand the reasons behind the demise of the previous civilisation, as well as the nature of its other mysteries.... But at least he understood what he had to strive for!
The plan was simple in words, but unrealistically complicated in realisation. For most people, it was unrealisable at all...
First, Kai wanted to enter the Top 100 Rank. Next, he would be able to visit Reincarnation Island. It was said to be a place where people undergo metamorphosis. Perhaps Kai would also be able to strengthen his cultivation in those places.
But most importantly... Kai had developed an incredibly massive goal!
It is the kind of goal that makes people unwaveringly march towards it. Step by step, second by second... Systematically and disciplined... Namely, the Core Sphere!
As soon as Kai heard about these legendary people, he immediately realised that he also wanted to be among them. He was not only attracted by their power, but also by their potential prospects. People of this magnitude could explore the world much more freely! If you are one of the strongest, then who will block your path?
Although Kara Yorma's book said that there were places in the Heavenly Continent that were deadly even for the strongest of this world.
'I wonder what they hold within them...' - Kai sat in thought.
- Done. - There was a calm voice coming from the side.
At that moment, the Lone Buddha stepped out from around the corner. In his hands were two large wooden trays. And on them were stacked a huge amount of various viands. From small snacks to full meals.
And what was funniest of all.... While holding these trays, Shuo managed to catch the teapot on the little finger of his right hand.
- Brother Shuo, were you a waiter in a previous life? Hehehe. - Laughing, teasingly asked Cai.
- ''These are the skills left over from the temple. There are a lot of kids studying there. - Shuo replied, ''By the way. Why are you always laughing so strangely? - He asked calmly.
- What do you mean? - Kai asked in response, not understanding.
- Your 'hehehe.' Has anyone ever told you that it's annoying? - The Lonely Buddha asked emotionlessly.
- No, why? Does it piss you off? - Looking at Shuo, Kai said.
- I don't. But it seems to me that others might be. Think about it, Brother Kai. - Shuo advised frankly.
'Hmm... Maybe I do sound strange...' - He thought for a second.
- ''Alright, since it's you Brother Shuo who's saying it. I'll think about it then! - Laughing, Kai replied.
- You didn't say hehehe this time. It's nicer that way. - Nodding approvingly, the Lonely Buddha replied.
Kai didn't care much for Shuo's words, but they made him think a little. He began to analyse when he had developed such a way of speaking.....
- That's right! - Kai suddenly shouted out and pounded his fist on his palm.
- What's wrong? - Shuo asked nonchalantly, looking at Kai.
- I got it! I inherited this way of laughing all the time from my Master! I picked up this stupid habit from him! It's because I lived in the mountains with him for a long time! Damn Old Mo! - Kai shouted angrily.
- Even though you resent him. But in your eyes you look happy. - Looking at Kai, Shuo said.
- Ehhh...' Kai sighed heavily, 'You're right Brother Lone Buddha. No matter what I say, I love my old man. - Smiling melancholically, Kai said frankly.
Hearing this, Shuo decided to tactfully remain silent. He could see that Kai had his own innermost emotions about his Master. Therefore, he didn't want to pry. If Kai wanted to, then he would tell him himself.
- All right, then. Let's sit down to celebrate. - Changing the subject, Shuo said.
While they were exchanging phrases, Shuo arranged all the plates on the round table. After that, he poured himself some fragrant, strong tea and lifted the cup up.
Watching this, Kai smiled and refreshed his glass. After that, similarly raising it up.
- To you Brother Kai. - Smiling slightly, Lone Buddha said.
- Here's to you Brother Shuo! I'm glad to be honoured like this! Hehehe. - Giggling again, Cai shouted out.
Although he realised that he needed to get rid of this stupid habit. But still, it can't be done instantly.....
- It's mutual. I'm sure you'll show many surprises in the future.'' - Supported Shuo with a confident face.
Kai didn't really understand why Shuo said that. In fact, Shuo didn't really understand... He just felt that his Brother wasn't that simple. It was a gut feeling, or intuition, which never failed Lone Buddha. Therefore, he didn't hesitate to believe in his hunch this time too.
After that, the two people began to celebrate wholeheartedly. Although Shuo didn't drink alcohol, it didn't stop him from maintaining interesting conversations with Cai. In the process, they became more and more absorbed in the dialogue. It seemed as if time began to flow imperceptibly.....
Every time a new topic of conversation started, Kai would have two more in the process. This was also the case with his interlocutor....
Kai learnt that the temple was mostly inhabited by orphans, who were brought up by the monks in a rather strict framework. There were a huge number of children there, and had to work constantly to feed everyone. Although it sounded rather cruel, there was actually a friendly atmosphere in the Shuo Temple. Everyone realised that it couldn't be any other way... Everyone tried to work for the common good.
At one point, after becoming more mature, Shuo went to the outside world to develop martial arts. Thankfully, in his temple, children were taught from a young age. They even had their own development techniques. So, Shuo didn't leave the temple as an ordinary person. It was only at the moment he entered the Cultivator stage.
It immediately reminded Kai of his own childhood. Although he lived in a small orphanage that didn't have many children... But still, the principles were the same. And just like Shuo, he had also entered the outside world as a Cultivator. In truth, Cai had reached this realm much earlier....
When Kai heard Shuo's story, he decided to tell his own. Of course, he didn't tell all the details..... He honestly told about the events at the orphanage and how Master Mo found him. Naturally, he tactfully left out his technique and other aspects.
Now, Shuo was his Brother in spirit. But there were some things that a person could only keep to himself. In this case, it is no longer a matter of respect or trust.
- I'm sorry Brother Kai. I would be hurt if someone killed my brothers. - Sincerely replied Lone Buddha.
- 'Ehhh...' Kai sighed, 'That's okay. I have already avenged them and they can rest in peace. You said you believe in the soul. Then let the souls of my brothers and sisters finally exist in peace. It's better than living in an orphanage... - Kai said with a slight smile.
- I'm sure it is. Brother Kai, let's drink to them! - In an uncharacteristic manner, Shuo said loudly.
- Thank you Brother Shuo... Once again, I'm very happy to have found a Brother like you! - With gratitude in his eyes, Cai replied kindly.